Chromatographic Strip Reader for Quantitative Analyte Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biological chromatographic test strips rely on subjective human interpretation for result determination, leading to misinterpretation and limited adoption due to qualitative nature and lack of metadata, which hinders their wider use in diagnostics.
Innovation Solution
Reader devices automate the reading process, providing quantitative analyte concentration estimates and metadata collection by analyzing signal intensities from test strips, reducing subjectivity and enhancing data precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual interpretation by eye is used to read test strip results, then the method is simple and requires no additional equipment, but the interpretation is subjective and inconsistent between different observers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual system of human eye interpretation with an automated optical detection system using cameras and image processing algorithms. This substitution eliminates inter-observer variability while maintaining operational simplicity through automated analysis of test strip images.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the test strip visual output through camera imaging, then analyzes this copy using image processing. This allows multiple identical digital copies to be analyzed consistently without requiring multiple human observers to interpret the same physical strip.
2Measurement precision
If quantitative measurements are implemented using sensor arrays and image analysis, then measurement precision and data objectivity improve, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function across multiple sensor types (color cameras, fluorescent sensors, magnetic sensors) positioned at specific locations on the test strip. Each sensor provides specialized measurement capability, and the combined data enables comprehensive quantitative analysis through distributed functional segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from qualitative visual assessment to quantitative measurement by adding dimensional data through sensor arrays that capture intensity, wavelength, and spatial information. This multi-dimensional data acquisition enables precise concentration measurements while the processing system integrates these dimensions into meaningful quantitative results.
3Loss of information
If multiple sensor types and metadata collection are integrated, then information completeness and diagnostic value improve, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal reader system that can detect multiple analyte types using the same hardware platform with different test strip configurations. The system performs multiple functions (colorimetric detection, fluorescent detection, magnetic particle detection) through a single integrated device, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive metadata collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple detection modalities (optical, fluorescent, magnetic) and data collection functions into a single integrated reading process. The system combines results from multiple sensor types and metadata sources into unified test results, reducing the complexity of separate systems while preserving complete information.
4Productivity
If automated reading systems are deployed to increase throughput, then diagnostic speed and consistency improve, but initial equipment investment and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically performs image capture, processing, analysis, and result generation without requiring manual intervention at each step. The automated reading system handles the complete workflow from test strip insertion to result output, increasing throughput while reducing operational complexity through automation of routine tasks.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The reader devices ensure consistent interpretation and provide quantitative results, improving diagnostic accuracy and workflow efficiency by neutralizing inter-observer variations and facilitating metadata integration.
Implementation Method 1
determine a concentration of the target analyte in the test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip... determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, (i) an intensity of a control line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, (ii) an intensity of a hook line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip, and (iii) an intensity of a test line displayed in the output signal area of the biological chromatographic test strip
Implementation Method 2
The signal-generating tag typically outputs an indication, visible to the unaided eye, of whether the test's target analyte is present at a detectable level... determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a mobile computing device (902) physically coupled to a lightbox (904). The apparatus includes camera hardware, processing circuitry in communication with the camera hardware, and an interface in communication with the processing circuitry. The camera hardware is configured to capture image data associated with an output signal area of a biological chromatographic test strip (410) inserted into a receiving slot of the lightbox. The processing circuitry is configured to determine, based on the image data captured by the camera hardware, a concentration of a target analyte in a test sample submitted via the biological chromatographic test strip. The interface is configured to output data indicative of the concentration of the target analyte determined by the processing circuitry.